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Rotherham hoping for Christmas cheer with Stephen Kelly and Leon Best fitness boost

Rotherham could be handed a Christmas treat with news that Stephen Kelly and Leon Best are set to feature in their Boxing Day clash with Bolton.

Kelly and Best have been dogged by injury since signing short-term deals with the club in November and between them have played just 252 minutes in six games since joining.

Defender Kelly came off at half-time of Saturday's impressive win over Hull after feeling a problematic calf injury, but boss Neil Redfearn says he was withdrawn as a precaution only.

"He felt his calf tighten again so it was a
precaution," Redfearn said.

"Stephen is important to us, we have just got him back fit. They are
problems calves, Freck (Lee Frecklington) had a problem getting back so we have to be really
careful because you want your better players fit.

"To be fair I thought Lewis
Buxton came on and did really well. He defended well, passed well so fair play
to him.

"We have got a blank week so hopefully if Kelly rests and gets the right
treatment and rehab then we might have him for the Bolton game."

Best's situation has been far more frustrating, though there could be light at the end of the tunnel.

The former Newcastle striker was dismissed on his debut at Leeds and during his three-match suspension he picked up a groin injury which ruled him out of the games against Huddersfield and Hull.

The problem is one that needs managing, rather than one he will recover from, so having had an injection last week, he should be available for the vital clash with Bolton on December 26.

"The good thing with Leon is that it's a
sportsman's groin, so he can play, he's had a jab to settle it down," Redfearn added.

"But the
jab was Thursday and it is three days so it took in Saturday so it will be next
Saturday. But touch wood he will be fit for next week."